Cambodian police clash with taunting demonstrators

A government security force member, in black clothes, beats a protester outside Freedom Park as other protesters run away in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday. Pic: AP.

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PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Security forces in Cambodia’s capital have clashed with demonstrators for a second straight day as the opposition canceled plans for a rally amid a ban on demonstrations and a large-scale police presence.

About 200 Cambodia National Rescue Party supporters showed up Friday for the planned local government campaign rally near Phnom Penh’s Freedom Park, which was sealed off with barbed wire and guarded by police and civilian security auxiliaries.

Fighting appeared to break out when demonstrators taunted the security forces, who responded by chasing and beating people. At least five people were hurt, including an opposition supporter, a Buddhist monk and a local journalist.

Security forces beat about a half dozen people Thursday in the same area after a May Day rally held jointly by the opposition and labor activists.